PSC vs. Alcorn State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR with Alcorn State University in Alcorn State, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alcorn State University is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (2,995 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Philander Smith University is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Alcorn State University is in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting).
• Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alcorn State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Philander Smith University 11:1; Alcorn State University 16:1.

PSC vs. Alcorn State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PSC or Alcorn State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Alcorn State University than PSC ($12,376 vs. $14,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Philander Smith University are 18.1% lower than at Alcorn State University ($10,000 vs. $12,204).
• Philander Smith University is 48.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alcorn State University (about $4,229 more per year; $13,014.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.1% higher at PSC than at Alcorn State University (about $4,229 more per year; $13,014.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Philander Smith University than at Alcorn State University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Philander Smith University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Alcorn State University students ($14,283 vs. $11,375).

PSC vs. Alcorn State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PSC or Alcorn State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Alcorn State University and PSC.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAlcorn State University 670/998.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAlcorn State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PSC - Not reported; Alcorn State University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Alcorn State University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at PSC (3.04).

PSC vs. Alcorn State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PSC and Alcorn State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Alcorn State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from Alcorn State University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alcorn State University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($28,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Alcorn State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($292 vs. $320).
• More PSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alcorn State University students, three years after graduation. (35% vs. 34%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.